by Laura Acton
Donata couldn’t form words as she gaped at Dante. His words impacting her like a freight train.
Clear his mother overheard him, the decision whether to tell her now moot, Loki’s face dissolved into only concern as he moved to Ma and put an arm around her. He guided her to the living room and helped her sit in her favorite chair. Taking a knee in front of her and holding one of her hands, Loki peered up at her and spoke in Italian. “Ma, I’m sorry … I didn’t mean for you to find out this way … maybe not at all.”
Her eyes welling with tears, Donata squeezed her son’s hand. Using English, a piece of her recognizing her lack of command of the language after so many years in Canada had isolated her, Donata said, “Tell me everything. Do not leave anything out. I am stronger than you give me credit for.”
“Ma, you’re the strongest lady I know. I just didn’t want to hurt you, Gina, or Sonia.”
Bringing her other hand up, she cupped Dante’s cheek tenderly, peering into the loving and troubled chocolate eyes of her beloved son. “You, mio amato figlio, can never hurt me. Secrets imprison the heart and soul. The truth sets them free.”
As Loki began to tell all to Donata, Dan cleaned up the mess in the hallway, doing his best to blot up the chocolate stain from the beige carpet, and giving the Baldovino’s space to talk without an audience. After he finished, needing to be at Bram’s place in twenty minutes, Dan decided to make a quiet exit, hoping Mrs. Baldovino would help Loki come to terms with everything as his own mom helped him this past summer.
Bram’s Home – 6:10 p.m.
Squeals of delight met Dan as he carried the pizza boxes into the kitchen. He grinned at Lexa as she put little Sharlie into her highchair and tied a bib on. Leslie and Emilie scurried around putting out paper plates and napkins at all the places.
Dan noted the absence of sparkle in Allie. She had not even bothered to lift her head as she sat in one chair with her legs propped up on another. His quizzical expression darted to Lexa, and he received a sad smile from her before she explained.
“Allie took a little tumble down the stairs this afternoon. She tried to go down them on her crutches without assistance.”
Dan set down the boxes and moved to Allie’s side, crouching beside her. “Are you okay, sweetie?” When her eyes lifted Dan expected to witness pain or sadness, not the fear which greeted him. His heart seized, and he wanted to figure out what caused the emotion but was at a loss how.
He chose to ignore it for the moment and said, “I brought your favorite pizza, extra pepperoni.”
Allie’s eyes dropped again. “Not hungry.”
“Yes, you are, Allie. You didn’t eat lunch,” Leslie admonished her little sister. She stood with hands on hips, glaring at Allie. “Quit being a pain and trying to get all the attention. You wouldn’t be in this mess if you hadn’t run in the parking lot. You never listen!”
“Hey, hey, none of that, Leslie,” Lexa corrected.
“It’s true!” Emilie puffed up, jealous of all the special treatment Allie was getting from Mom, Dad, and everyone.
A little sob came from Allie, causing Dan to glance up at Lexa. They shared a look as Lexa tilted her head towards the family room. Dan understood. He rose, scooped up Allie, and strode from the room leaving Lexa to deal with Leslie and Emilie.
Lexa turned to the older De Haven girls and realized they needed a bit more attention. Their reactions natural given the extra attention Allie required, Lexa sought to enlighten them Allie needed their help now, and not their animosity. “Let’s eat, girls.” She served pizza to each, cutting up a piece of crust for Sharlie to gum before she fed her the mashed vegetables Lexa prepared for the littlest one’s dinner. Lexa steered the conversation in the appropriate direction to facilitate more empathy for Allie’s plight.
Dan settled himself on the sofa with Allie in his lap. She clung to him and unleashed a flood of tears. He gently stroked her back, rubbing little circles, letting her release her pent-up emotion. When the sobbing quieted, Dan snagged a tissue from the box on the end table and wiped her cheeks. He remained silent, waiting for Allie to initiate the dialog.
Peering up at her favorite uncle, Allie sniffled. “They’re mean and hate me.”
Thumbing away another little tear, Dan said, “They love you. Sometimes people say things without realizing their harm.”
“I can’t do anything. I’m stuckedid where Mommy or Daddy put me.” More sobs came out. “I tried to use them but felled down the stairs.” Allie’s watery, fear-filled, blue-green eyes gazed up at Uncle Danny.
“The crutches?” Dan asked. A little nod was his only answer. He began to understand where her fear might stem and an idea formed. “Well, they are awkward on stairs. I know, I’ve used them before. Wanna learn a trick to going up and down stairs in a casted leg?”
Allie wiped at her eyes as she stared. “You had a broken leg?”
“Not broken, but remember I used crutches the Christmas I stayed with you?”
“Uh huh.” She hiccupped as her crying stopped.
“Where are your crutches?”
“Upstairs.”
Dan set Allie on the couch. “I’ll be right back.” He bounded up the steps and hurried back. “Alright. First, let’s see how you do on flat surfaces.” Dan observed Allie clumsily trying to rise. He gave her some pointers and had her practice several times then followed her to the staircase.
Fearful eyes stared up as Allie recalled rolling down three steps before her scream alerted her daddy and he caught her.
“Okay, so here’s the trick.” Dan sat on the lowest step. “You go up and down on your bottom. Sit next to me.” Dan put out his hands, prepared to catch her if she tipped over as she pivoted. “Let go of the crutch near the railing and grab on. Use the spindle and other crutch to lower yourself gradually.”
He waited while Allie cautiously complied. When she rested beside him, he grinned. “Perfect. Now, put both crutches to one side.” Once she did, he instructed and demonstrated to her how to go up one tread at a time dragging her crutches with her. When they reached the top, he put his hand up for a high-five. “You made it!”
She smacked her hand against Uncle Danny’s as some fear dissipated, but when she peered down, her voice wobbled, “Up is easy … falling is scary.”
“Down is as easy. Let’s stand first then we can go downstairs and join your sisters for some pizza. All this effort will work up an appetite.” Dan showed her how to rise using the balustrade and how to sit doing the same. When they arrived at the bottom, the bright, confident girl Dan loved shone again.
Allie hobbled into the kitchen, cheerfully calling out, “I do-it myself. Mommy and Daddy don’t havta carries me no more, and I won’t falls again.”
Contrite and sorry for her unkind words earlier, Leslie smiled at Allie. “We saved the pieces with the most pepperoni for you, Allie. I’m very sorry I was so mean.”
Emilie went to hug her sister. “I’m sorry too.”
Lexa shared a grin with Dan … peace restored to the De Haven household. Usual little girl chatter filled the room as Dan and Allie ate, and Lexa cleaned up the pizza sauce covered face of Sharlie. When they finished, Dan took Sharlie, following Allie into the family room to play a board game while Lexa, Emilie, and Leslie began gathering the ingredients to make brownies for Bram’s birthday party.
Several hours later, happy girls all tucked into bed, sound asleep, Lexa and Dan sat on opposite sides of the couch enjoying a cup of coffee, each lost in their own thoughts.
Dan roused himself and said, “I should be going. It would be better if I’m not here when Bram and Kellie return.”
Pulled from her musings, Lexa smiled and nodded. “Yeah. We wouldn’t want to be caught necking on their couch.”
“So you were thinking along the same lines as me,” Dan chuckled as he rose.
Standing, Lexa’s eyes twinkled. “One kiss wouldn’t hurt.”
“One might lead to more. You know I can’t stop
myself when it comes to kissing you.” As soon as the words popped out, Dan realized how revealing they were and worried what Lexa’s reaction would be.
“I’ll keep you in check, soldier.” Lexa took Dan’s mug from him. “I’ll wash up tonight.” She set his mug on the table, took his hand, and led him to the front entrance. “I’m glad you came over tonight. You helped Allie regain a bit of independence.”
“I’m happy I could help her.” Dan pulled Lexa to him and inhaled the jasmine scent as she tilted her face up to him. “You did wonders with Leslie and Emilie too.”
“Only a little reminder to them of what family is for, and how much they love their little sister.” She rose to her tippy-toes and pressed her lips to Dan’s. The ever-present electricity surged in her as they touched.
Desire bloomed in both, and the simple goodnight kiss deepened igniting passion in their souls. Only the control Lexa maintained broke them apart before the kissing led to something more. She placed another more chaste kiss on his cheek and said, “Night, Dan. See you tomorrow.”
“You can come over after Bram gets home,” Dan said.
“Not tonight. Though I slept until ten, I’m still exhausted,” Lexa shared openly with him but realized she needed to slow things down. Though she desired to go over, a part of her feared becoming too attached. Her thoughts tonight centered around the domestic-ness of caring for the four girls with Dan … making her wonder for the first time if one day she might want to be a mother and what she would be required to give up.
“Alright.” Dan recognized Lexa pulling back. Worried by her action, Dan exited with a faked grin. Did I push too fast? Should I give her more space?
Eleven thirty rolled around, bringing Kellie and Bram home from an enjoyable evening out. Lexa regaled them with how Dan taught Allie to manage the stairs before she took her leave, and headed home to a cold, solitary bed.
Bram’s Home – Allie’s Room – 11:40 p.m.
Bram peeked in on Allie. Moving to her bed, he knelt and peered at his precious daughter. He smiled when her eyes blinked open. “Hey, sweetie.”
“Daddy.” Allie rubbed her eyes.
“Yes.” He pulled her covers up to tuck her in.
“I gotta wee-wee.” She struggled to rise.
Bram scooped her up. “Daddy taxi at your service.” He carried his little one to the bathroom and when she finished held her as she washed her hands. Back in the room he settled her on her bed and covered her again.
Snuggled in her warm bed, Allie said, “Aunt Lexa kissed my Prince Charming. Does that mean they are married?”
The comment caused Bram to blink. “Um, no. What do you mean?”
“I wanted a brownie, so I snucked downstairs and sawed them at the door when Uncle Danny left. They kissedid like you and Mommy do … all smoochy. I don’t want Auntie Lexa taking my Prince.” She realized she just confessed to sneaking a treat and bit her lower lip waiting to be scolded, but confusion grew as her daddy stared at her.
At a loss for words, trying to figure out what his girl actually witnessed and how to proceed without interrogating her, he only stared.
Allie filled the gap, “I don’t like that she kisseded his cheek. He is mine.”
Ah, cheek … Allie is a bit possessive of Dan. Bram grinned. “Uncle Dan will always be your prince, but he is family, so Aunt Lexa probably thanked him for his help tonight.”
“For teaching me to climb the stairs on my bottom?” Allie’s little mind searched for an acceptable explanation.
“Yeah.” Bram tucked Allie in and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams.”
Closing her eyes, Allie smiled, satisfied Lexa wasn’t taking her prince away.
Bram’s Home – Master Bedroom – 11:55 p.m.
Bram strolled into his room and relayed what Allie said as he undressed.
“I think Lexa and Dan would make a cute couple.” Kellie grinned.
Halting in unbuttoning his shirt, Bram became speechless for the second time tonight, gaping at Kellie until two words spilled out, “They can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Rules. Priority of life. One of them would have to leave Alpha Team, possibly even TRF.” He sagged on the bed. “This is selfish, but I don’t want either of them to go, we make a great team … I …”
Kellie came to Bram, draping herself over his back. “I doubt they would risk their positions. I only said they would be cute together, not that they are. You know how possessive Allie is towards Dan. The kiss was likely only an innocent little peck blown out of portion by her imagination.”
Pitching her voice seductively, Kellie said, “Come to bed so I can give you your special birthday gift … one which will leave nothing to your imagination.”
Something Wicked This Way Comes
44
January 29
Abandoned Warehouse – 11:35 a.m.
Flipping through the files Emilio Sanchez brought him, Two-shots searched for the right candidates. He stopped and peered up at the detective. “Are you certain all these men will be released in April?”
“I wouldn’t have brought you their details if I wasn’t sure.” Sanchez glared at the youngest of three brothers. His appearance and smooth words might work on women, but to Emilio, Pablo was still only a little snot-nosed kid from his old neighborhood.
Pitbull eyed Sanchez. Useful but expendable is how he classified the pig. It helped that Emilio’s parents still lived in their home in Blooddrop Crew territory. The gang left the elder Sanchez’s untouched, and in return, Emilio did their bidding. Plus, there was the little fact he married Emilio’s little sister and keeping him out of jail kept her happy.
“What about the others, the ones we will use to cover this is a breakout for Machete?” Two-shots questioned.
“Still searching for them. We have time,” Sanchez ground out.
Panther observed the discussion. He still didn’t like this roundabout course of action, but he was not top dog. Fourth in line, and not a Nores, he began cultivating others, planning a possible coup, but he needed to move with caution, because the three Nores brothers, Machete, Pitbull, and Two-shots, were quite formidable, ruthless, and almost everyone feared them.
Pitbull said, “I want to ensure they are higher value targets, men who will take priority over Machete once the exchange is discovered.”
“Like I said, I’m working on finding what you require. I have to be careful, or I’ll set off alarms.” On his way out, Sanchez called over his shoulder, “Don’t call me again at work. I’ll contact you when I obtain the details.”
Club Ed – Courtroom – 1145 Hours
Judge Bellerose called the proceedings to order after the morning break for the tribunal panel to deliberate. He directed his query to Taggart, “Have the members reached a verdict?”
“Yes, Your Honour,” Taggart answered as the senior member.
The clerk rose and took the paper from General Taggart and delivered it to General Bellerose before resuming her seat.
Lieutenant Ruellan rose in Plouffe’s stead for the reading of the decision. The overwhelming testimony against his client couldn’t be countered. In fact, he had nothing, not even a single character witnesses to call in the major’s defense, so when the prosecution rested, they made closing statements, and the six-member panel retired to discuss.
Bellerose scanned the list of offenses and verdicts. “The court finds Nigel Plouffe guilty on all counts. Due to the grievous, heinous, and traitorous nature of his crimes, Plouffe will be posthumously stripped of his rank and formally evicted from the military.
“In an act of symbolism, the panel recommends, and Crown endorses, an exorcism of Major Plouffe from our ranks and hereby prescribes Plouffe’s kit, including all ceremonial and operational uniforms, as well as shirts, headdress, boots, gloves, rucksacks, and other items of service apparel shall be burned. All medals awarded will be revoked as well as his commission scroll.
“As all present are aware, in the inter
ests of national security, the exact nature and extent of Plouffe’s crimes cannot be divulged to the public. As such, his death will be reported along the lines of the previous cover story. During his court martial for disgraceful conduct and offenses punishable by ordinary law, which includes attempted murder of Constable Broderick at Constable Plouffe’s funeral, Plouffe obtained a firearm with the purpose and intent to carry out his deranged vendetta against Daniel believing he was responsible for his nephew’s death.
“The press will be notified of his conviction on charges which may be publicized, and it will be for those offenses he will be evicted and expunged from the Canadian Armed Forces. The proceedings in the matter of Nigel Plouffe are concluded.”
William sighed. It is over … at last.
After reading the note attached, Bellerose set the paper down and turned his gaze to Sutton and Broderick. Though not procedure, he agreed with the deviation and was hard-pressed not to smile. “General Broderick and Colonel Sutton, please rise and step forward.”
Tom and William stood, moved forward, and stopped at attention, both curious as to why they were being addressed.
Everyone in the courtroom came to attention as Chief of Defence Staff General Jerrell McFergus strode to the front carrying five flat velvet boxes. He placed them on the judge’s table before coming to a halt facing the two Special Forces commanders.
“At ease,” Jerrell instructed, and those in attendance all assumed a parade rest stance. He took a moment to study Will and Tom. His friends had been put through the wringer by Plouffe’s machinations, beginning almost thirty years ago with Grasett’s and Elkin’s murders.
The scars William bore were more than the burns he received as he risked his life endeavoring to save Colonel Grasett, Lieutenant Elkins and Private Lopez when their car went over the cliff in France. The emotional ones Plouffe’s schemes created as he sought to drive a wedge deeper between father and son would take longer to heal.
And both men would suffer from a sense of guilt for not recognizing and stopping Plouffe’s stratagems which caused Daniel so much pain and almost ended the valiant soldier’s life … several times. Jerrell could do something to help in that manner, at least a little. These men needed to be made aware they still had his full support, and he trusted their judgment.
